Support frame for automobile vehicle sunroofs

ABSTRACT

Support frame for automobile vehicle sunroofs based on a single U-shaped element formed by longitudinal elements ( 2 ) and a front element ( 1 ). In these elements are provided the channels for the tow elements and for the tow elements excess, the drip rail and the associated guiding and control means for the slides which support the mobile panel.

The invention relates to a support frame for sunroofs, also termedwindow tops which are fitted in the roof of automobile vehicles and thespecific function of which is to serve as structure and support,logically, of the sunroof assembly with its operating mechanisms, aswell as incorporating the guidance system, water drainage elements,channels for the tow element, and the anchorages for its assembly on thebodywork.

In the measure of what is known, the cited functions of a support ofthis type are implemented at the present time by different pieces whichare mounted in a single assembly which satisfies the aforesaidfunctions.

Thus, and within these known techniques, there exist among others,supports based on mixed aluminum and plastic structures which constitutetwo lateral guide rails, the great majority implemented by profiles inextruded aluminum, and a front crosspiece, generally of injectedplastic, in which are incorporated the motor, a baffle, the guidingchannels of the tow element, and the drip rails.

Other types of supports for sunroofs are also known which are configuredfrom a single piece of aluminum, which is bent until the form of thestructure is achieved, in which and subsequently the different piecesare installed just as in the previous case.

In both cases, and in addition to the components cited, these solutionsincorporate a variable number of ancillary pieces, among which the mostusual are:

-   -   Systems for water to run off made by plastic injection, usually        two or four drip rails.    -   Tubes for guidance of the tow element excess.    -   Moveable element intended to cover internally the gap made in        the roof trim. Said element is usually rigid like a moveable        decoration or cover, or flexible like curtains.    -   Air baffle which acts in the cases of the moveable panel being        open and which is hidden under the same in the remaining        positions.

The drawbacks of these known supports rest fundamentally in the numberof pieces and different materials which constitute the same as well asin the profusion of auxiliary items which have to be incorporated forthe final concept of an acceptable support and, as a consequencethereof, the additional cost and risks produced by handling severaldifferent references as well as the assembly of all the components.

In contrast to these known techniques, the objective of the invention isa support frame for sunroofs which is implemented in a single piece,which implies a reduction in the number of references and the consequentreduction in the number of manufacturing stages, as well as in the timeemployed in the manufacture.

Another objective of the invention is a support frame for sunroofs whichin the construction thereof uses only one material with a singlemanufacturing technology, normally injection of the fused material in aclosed mould, like for example thermoplastic plastics or light alloys,which implies simplifying the manufacturing process, and simplifyinglater actions for the recycling thereof.

A further objective of the invention is a support frame for sunroofswhich allows the process to be simplified and the manufacturing times tobe shortened and the weight of the element to be reduced.

Yet another object of the invention is a support frame for sunroofswhich allows the assembly in each lateral longitudinal element of aslide perfectly guided and controlled according to the X, Y and Z axes,and on which is mounted the moveable panel of the sunroof or window top.

Another final object of the invention is a support frame which iseconomical to manufacture and which can be put on the market at a lowercost than the usual article.

For the implementation of these objectives, the invention claims asupport made in injected either plastic or light alloy material which isconfigured in a single piece structured in a U-shape, with thepossibility of incorporating one or more crosspieces which give itrigidity and collaborate in maintaining the spacing between the twolongitudinal elements and the front element which constitute it.

On the two longitudinal elements, other elements are made integratedtherein among which are the following:

-   A.—Points for anchoring to the bodywork of the vehicle, in the    number and size that are necessary.-   B.—Support and guiding channels for the tow element which carries    the slide and for the tow element excess determined by the position    of the slide.

The channel for guidance of the element driving the slide has to beprepared not only to carry the tow element, but also to guide and holdthe slide itself, while the channels for the tow element excess, wouldbe conceived solely to guide the excess part of the aforementioned towelement.

The guiding channel for the tow element is conceived in the body of theframe based on a number of lower semi-cylindrical forms which emergeconvexly downwards, in alignment and alternating with others above withthe opposite orientation to the preceding ones, so that between the twosaid guiding channel is defined with tubular form.

In the areas of the guiding channel in which the pulling slide runs, theupper semi-cylindrical forms are open, comprising an angle of 90degrees.

Another alternative for the embodiment of the channel of the tow elementin the area through which the slides run, consists of a downwardlyconvex lower semi-cylindrical continuous channel and upwardly convexconfronting upper arches in discontinuous arrangement, left and right,which do not meet each other, and leave a free space at the top. So thatthese arches can be fabricated by injection, there are gaps in the lowersemi-cylinder and the horizontal projection of said gaps coincides withthe horizontal projection of the aforementioned arches.

This configuration offers in its transverse section an open circulargap, through which opening the necessary passage is facilitated for thesupport elements of the slide for the guided carriage and holding of thesame inside the gap, so that it cannot be displaced in any directioncontained in the plane perpendicular to the direction of displacement ofthe slide.

The guide for the tow element excess, which need not carry more than thetow element itself, is implemented in a similar manner, with separateand alternating semi-cylindrical portions, some downwardly convex andothers upwardly convex, so that they follow each alternately,constituting thereby a tubular guiding channel. The upper upwardlyconvex portions are positioned in the gaps which are created between thedownwardly convex lower portions.

-   C.—External and lateral guides running the length of the    longitudinal elements for the carriage, guidance and holding of the    slide which is moved by the action of the tow element, are those    which will opportunely be clasped by a projecting portion of the    slide, the contribution of which is to prevent undesired    displacements of the slide according to the Z axis.-   D.—Another pair of also external and lateral guides, for the    guidance of the moveable trim or curtains of the sunroof, below the    set previously mentioned.-   E.—A support, underneath this last guide for receiving a joint of    roof trim and support.-   F.—A free area to allow the passing of the slides, which has a    bottom for the passing of the lower portion of the slide on which    the tow element acts. Said passage is determined by the gap offered    by the semi-cylindrical projections and the quarter-cylinder    projections mentioned above, concerning which more will be explained    later.

This area for the passing of the slide, comes with two lateral walls onwhich ride two lateral surfaces of the slide, controlling said slide inits possible displacements according to the Y axis, perpendicular to thedisplacement of the slide in the horizontal plane.

-   G.—Lateral drip rail for drainage of the water which may come to    penetrate between the moveable panel and the rest of the roof of the    bodywork.

The front part of the support of the invention, incorporates in turn thefollowing elements:

-   H.—Points for anchorage of the assembly on the bodywork.-   I.—Channels for the tow element and for the tow element excess,    which in this case would be the same, based on semi-cylindrical    portions identical to those previously mentioned for the sides,    since they would not require the passage of the slide. These    channels of the front part are already contemplated in the previous    techniques, being therefore known.-   J.—Area of anchorage of the joint of the roof trim and support.-   K.—Front drip rail which allows, in the event, the housing of a    baffle.-   L.—An area for the anchorage of the motor driving the system for    opening the window top.

With regard to the slide, the invention envisages the embodiment of twolateral walls, which abut on two others corresponding of thelongitudinal elements, which have already been referred to.

The slide also incorporates a lateral projection bent back on itself,which is inserted in the corresponding guide made in the longitudinalelements, regarding which mention was made previously.

The support assembly can incorporate transverse reinforcements in itslower face and along its geometry to give greater rigidity to thesupport if necessary, in which case they would be an integral part ofthe support itself.

The drip rail of the support will converge, preferentially, in at leastone outlet for drainage of the incoming water through known means.

The assembly of the invention is represented in the accompanying sheetsof drawings, in which the following is described in a non-restrictivemanner:

FIG. 1, is a perspective of the support object of the invention.

FIG. 2, is an enlarged detail in perspective of the upper face of thelongitudinal elements of the support, according to the invention.

FIG. 3, consists of the section on the plane I-I, made in FIG. 1,incorporating the slide not represented therein.

FIG. 4, is a detail of another possible geometry for the channel of thetow element for the areas through which the pulling slide runs.

With regard to FIG. 1, the U-shaped support is pointed out, with its twolongitudinal elements (2) and a front element (1), together with areinforcing crosspiece (3), constituting a single unit.

In the longitudinal elements (2) anchorages (4), channels (10) for a towelement, and a slide are appreciated, as well as channels (6) for thetow element excess in the event, and the drip rail (12). The innerlongitudinal side (24) is that which includes the guides for the slideand for the guidance of the moveable panel, as well as the housing forthe joint.

In the front part (1) the channels (10 and 6) are also appreciated forthe tow element and tow element excess similar to those corresponding inthe longitudinal elements, the drip rail (12) and the area prepared forthe seating (22) of the motor.

In FIG. 2, the specific geometry is observed of the tow element channels(10) and of the tow element excess channel. The alternate combinationcan thus be appreciated of the semi-cylindrical areas (5), downwardlyconvex, separated regularly by gaps (11), and in opposition cylindricalupwardly convex areas (9) which cover an angle of 90 degrees and areupwardly convex, being located above the gaps (11).

This combination configures a circular interior gap having open spaceswhich offer the 90 degree segments, making possible the passage of thetow element and reception and guidance of the corresponding end of theslide, which end is linked with the circular slide itself through theopening of the areas with respect to the body of the support.

On the other hand, the channel (6) for the tow element, when it does notinclude the slide is defined by upper (7) and lower (8) cylindricalareas displaced one with respect to the others and opposite to configurea circular gap.

In this same FIG. 3, the seat area (25, 25′) for the slide is pointedout, above the mounting of the guiding channel of the tow element (10).The elements are observed for the anchorages (4) as well as the drainagesurfaces.

On the lower part of the slide (16), the links (23) of the same areappreciated with the cylindrical end (13) which will be lodged in thechannel (10). On this end (13), the tow element is connected fortransmission of the force moving the slide, and the links (23) can runfreely thanks to the openings availed by the cylindrical upwardly convexareas (9) of the longitudinal elements.

The slide (16) shows a flange bent back on itself (18) whose end isinserted in a recess (19) for guidance in the longitudinal elements, arecess (20) for guidance, being represented underneath, for the moveablepanel or curtains and a third recess (21) for securing of a joint whichfinishes edges of a trim and of a window top.

Adjacent to the position of the slide (16) and to the left according tothis FIG. 3, the drip rail (12) is seen and the surface area for thevarious anchorages (4), which gives passage to the guiding channel (6)of the tow element excess, defined by the two semi-cylindrical areas (7,8), alternate and in opposite position.

Below this area, an example is also observed of one of the previouslymentioned transverse ribs (26) for reinforcement.

The drip rail (12) extends toward the front part (1) of the support asdo the guides for the tow element.

From FIG. 4 the specific geometry of the tow element channels isobserved, with the downwardly convex lower semi-cylinder (29), theopposite arches (27), upwardly convex which define the upper face of thechannel of the tow element, and the gaps (28) of the lower semi-cylinder(29) which allow the injection of the upper arches (27).

1. Support frame for automobile vehicle sunroofs, comprising a frontelement (1) longitudinal elements (2) and a reinforcing crosspiece (3)constituting all together a single piece, in which a slide (16) runsalong each of the two longitudinal elements, said slide being pulled bya tow element, and which is characterized in that: the support frame isa single piece implemented by injection of fused material in closedmould, which material can be one of a thermoplastic, a light alloy, andany other structural material capable of being conformed with thisprocedure, U-shaped, consisting of said front element (1), and two saidlongitudinal elements (2) with said reinforcing crosspiece; a channel(10) for guiding the tow element, which carries the slide (16) and forthe sliding of links (23) with the tow element in the slide, which iscarried out along the two longitudinal elements (2) of the supportframe, and wherein the channel comprises aligned downwardly convexsemi-cylindrical areas regularly separated by gaps and in oppositioncylindrical areas upwardly convex placed in discontinuous arrangementand located above the gaps (11); an area above the channel (10) whereinthe slide (16) is seated, which has predominantly vertical walls (15,17) which laterally control possible displacements of said slide in thehorizontal plane.
 2. Support frame for automobile vehicle sunroofs,according to claim 1, characterized in that the opposing cylindricalupwardly convex areas (9) are in quarter cylinder form which are locatedabove gaps (11) and are convex toward the upper face, and together withthe downwardly convex semi-cylindrical areas constitute a tubularhousing with a longitudinally open window through which can run thelinks (23) of the slide with its lower end (13) secured to the drivingelement, the tow element.
 3. Support frame for automobile vehiclesunroofs, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylindricalupwardly convex areas are opposite arches (9), and the aligneddownwardly convex semi-cylindrical areas regularly are separated by gaps(11).
 4. Support frame for automobile vehicle sunroofs, according toclaim 1, characterized in that in each longitudinal element, threelongitudinal recesses are defined, one recess for guidance (19) toreceive a flange bent back on itself (18) of the slide 16, anotherrecess (20) for the guidance of the moveable panel and a third (21) forthe securing of a joint which finishes the edges of a trim and of awindow top.
 5. Support frame for automobile vehicle sunroofs, accordingto claim 1, characterized in that each longitudinal element consists ofanother pair of channels for guiding the tow element excess (6), andwhich are constituted by two rows of alternating projections ofsemi-cylindrical section (7, 8) with free spaces and confronting eachother in the free spaces.
 6. Support frame for automobile vehiclesunroofs, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises adrip rail (12) made in each longitudinal element (2) in longitudinalform.
 7. Support frame for automobile vehicle sunroofs, according toclaim 1, characterized in that the anchorage points and supports on thebodywork of the vehicle are integrated in the same body.
 8. Supportframe for automobile vehicle sunroofs, according to claim 1,characterized in that the front element (1) of the frame also includesthe drip rail (12) connected to that of the longitudinal elements and tothe means used to drain the water.
 9. Support frame for automobilevehicle sunroofs, according to claim 1, characterized in that in thefront element (1) of the frame, channels are incorporated to guide thetow element implemented as a continuation of those of the longitudinalelements, as well as various anchorage areas and supports, and an area(22) for mounting a motor.
 10. Support frame for automobile vehiclesunroofs, according to claim 4, characterized in that it consists ofanother pair of channels (6) for guiding the tow element excess, andwhich are constituted by two rows of alternating projections ofsemi-cylindrical section (7, 8) with free spaces and confronting eachother in the free spaces.
 11. Support frame for automobile vehiclesunroofs, according to claim 4, characterized in that the front element(1) of the frame also includes a drip rail (12) connected to that of thelateral longitudinal elements and to the means used to drain the water.12. A support frame for automobile vehicle sunroofs, comprising: a frontelement (1); a reinforcing crosspiece (3); two longitudinal elements(2), wherein a slide (16) runs along each of the two longitudinalelements, said slide being pulled by a tow element; a plurality ofdownwardly convex semi-cylindrical protrusions aligned downwardly andseparated by gaps; a plurality of upwardly convex cylindricalprotrusions placed in discontinuous arrangement and located such thatthey protrude over said gaps, the plurality of downwardly and upwardlyconvex protrusion forming a channel (10) for guiding the tow element,which carries the slide (16) and for the sliding of a link (23) with thetow element during an actual slide, which is carried out along the twolongitudinal elements (2) of the support frame; and an area above thechannel (10) wherein the pulled slide (16) is seated, which haspredominantly vertical walls (15, 17) which laterally control possibledisplacements of said slide in the horizontal plane; and wherein thesupport frame is a single U-shaped piece implemented by injection offused material in a closed mould.